The king tides are coming Nov. 5-7...

mdi-chevron-left Feature Articles Oct 23, 2025
Tips to stay out of harms way.

Dramatic winter waves can be quite the spectacle, but their power can also be sobering.

Case in point: One cubic yard of ocean water can weigh nearly a ton. And waves can travel 15, 20 to 25 miles an hour. Those big mighty waves that you see at the coast in the winter could be magnified by king tides. King tides occur when the sun, moon and earth align at their closest points, according to the Oregon King Tides Project, thereby increasing their gravitational influence on the tides.

This season, the King Tides are expected November 5-7, 2025, December 4-6, 2025, and January 1-4, 2026

Tips for safe storm chasing on the Oregon coast:

  • Mind those fences and watch your step while experiencing the king tides firsthand.
  • Jetties are not a safe place to watch a storm.
  • Just because a parking lot might be safe, the nearby trails may not be.
  • Find a spot above the action away from the beach and off the cliff’s edge.
  • Check and be familiar with the 2025 tide tables for the area you're visiting. Be aware that beaches often become entirely covered with water during high tides or storm surges.
  • North Coast tide table
  • Central Coast tide table
  • South Coast tide table
  • Avoid climbing or playing on or around logs on the beach. They can roll when water hits them and cause injury or death.
  • Never turn your back to the ocean and stay a safe distance from the water's edge. Sneaker waves can surge far higher and faster than expected, even on seemingly calm beaches.
  • Note the beach access name or beach number at signs placed at most access points. In an emergency, share them with the operator if you need to call for help.
  • Many viewpoints offer elevated views of the beach and waves during winter storms and are an option for watching waves when beach conditions are unsafe.

 

Image credit: This photograph is a derivative of “Shore Acres State Park Beach” by S. Woodman under the CC license by Oregon King Tides Project.